All posts by h716a5.icu

Tottenham Hotspur fans, and those from other clubs, were understandably baffled when the news came to light regarding their interest in Julian Nagelsmann. Or rather, the lack of.

Many viewed the German as the outstanding option to take over their managerial vacancy, as a young out-of-work tactician already boasting fine pedigree, and all the fresh and innovative ideas to lead a struggling outfit into a brighter future.

However, as of last week, Daniel Levy reportedly boasted no intention of meeting the 35-year-old and did not consider him a contender for the job. Meanwhile, Chelsea move ever closer to appointing Spurs' former touchline hero Mauricio Pochettino, denoting a truly sad state of affairs for the long-suffering fans of the north London club.

Seeing the leading candidate revealed to be nothing more than a concept dreamt up by the media, it has left many confused as to the direction the chairman seeks to take.

Whilst journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke had revealed an alternative four-man shortlist boasting "Arne Slot, Roberto De Zerbi, Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim", fresh news has since come to light regarding a new candidate that has entered the race.

As reported by FCInternews, Spurs have reportedly already opened talks with the agent of Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi.

How does Simone Inzaghi set up?

Enjoying just his second job in senior management, the Italian coach has earned widespread success for his work first with Lazio and now the Nerazzurri.

Having already begun to fill his trophy cabinet with various pieces of Italian silverware, the 47-year-old is seeking the ultimate prize this season and is set to lead his team to an unprecedented Champions League final barring a colossal collapse in their second-leg tie with AC Milan.

He has earned such success with a brand of football shrouded in his 3-5-2 system that promotes aggressive attacking from the wing-backs. Given this was a system Antonio Conte aimed to employ, the squad should take little time to adapt to his methods.

With those similarities, it could be argued that the former striker even boasts a smarter alternative to Nagelsmann, who would likely have endured a long transitional period to uproot a squad that has solely played three-at-the-back, over various transfer windows.

It was brutally showcased in their 6-1 loss at St James' Park just how hopeless this squad would be with just four defenders, which again merits distancing the 4-2-3-1 boss away from the job.

Not only this, but across the two teams he has overseen, Inzaghi has enjoyed a fine return of 258 wins from 442 matches, having scored a remarkable 906 times across this period. He will seemingly not repeat the failures of his compatriot, but instead hopefully find a balance that makes them a potent attacking threat once more.

After all, he is viewed as "one of the best coaches in Europe" by his brother Filippo Inzaghi.

Having spent time at such a prestigious club and impressed, perhaps Levy might be onto something should he prefer the Inter boss over Nagelsmann.

South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada proved an instant hit with Kent supporters by claiming two wickets on debut to help steer Spitfires to a tense 10-run win over NatWest T20 Blast rivals Sussex Sharks in Canterbury

ECB Reporters Network30-Jun-2016
ScorecardKagiso Rabada struck twice on his Kent debut•Getty ImagesSouth African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada proved an instant hit with Kent supporters by claiming two wickets on debut to help steer Spitfires to a tense 10-run win over NatWest T20 Blast rivals Sussex Sharks in Canterbury.On a two-paced pitch that made boundary hitting tricky for both sides, Kent successfully defended 166 for 6 with Rabada claiming 2 for 31 and Fabian Cowdrey 2 for 8 to seal their sides third south group win.After collecting his Man-of-the-Match award 21-year-old Rabada said: “It was a great start for my debut and I’m just happy that I could contribute and that the team has won. It’s a good start for me and hopefully we can get some momentum from this.”It was quite a good wicket but most of the guys felt we fell a bit short runs wise, so credit to all the bowlers because we made it tough for them to score and got wickets at crucial times.”Visiting skipper Luke Wright said: “I was delighted, after the start Kent had, to restrict them to that total. I’d have taken that total any day, so it’s disappointing now and feels like we let that one slip away. But credit to their bowlers, I felt they executed their plans really well.”Also credit to Sam [Northeast] for his decision to bring on Cowdrey when he did. You never know how it’ll go when you bring on a part-time bowler, especially with someone like Ross Taylor batting. But it proved a gutsy decision.”Needing to score at 8.35 an over to surpass Kent’s modest 166, Sussex openers Wright and Chris Nash had faced only eight deliveries when a low sun glinting through the gap between the Pavilion and the Frank Woolley Stand caused a stoppage in play for 17 minutes. As the players stood in the middle waiting for the sun to drop, the irony was not lost on a Kent side who have lost 1,216 overs to inclement weather in all forms of cricket this summer.On his Kent debut, Rabada struck with his 11th delivery by pegging back the off stump of Chris Nash with a 90mph yorker.’Bad light’ came into play again at the opposite end of the ground as this time the setting sun reflected off the windows of the Sky Sports commentary box to dazzle the batsmen and cause a further 10-minute delay.Six balls after the resumption Wright attempted to uppercut against Rabada to be caught superbly on the run at third man by David Griffiths.With James Tredwell bowling frugally, Sussex still required 100 to win with 10 overs remaining, but that was the cue for Taylor to cut lose by taking 17 off a Darren Stevens over.Kent hit back when, in his first over, Cowdrey had Phil Salt caught at cow corner then, Cowdrey’s arm ball wrapped Taylor on the pads flush in front to send him packing one short of his 50.Matt Machan launched into a leg-side six off Griffiths leaving Sharks to score 32 to win off their final two overs. Mitch Claydon conceded nine off the penultimate over, leaving Rabada with 23 to defend in the last.Batting first after winning the toss, Kent made a watchful start through Tom Latham and Joe Denly, who appeared content simply to see off the pace of Tymal Mills.The Kent openers took a brace of boundaries off Nuwan Kulasekara, the Sri Lanka seamer making the first of his three appearances for Sussex, but still seemed too circumspect.Ajmal Shahzad dropped short allowing Latham to clip the first six of the night over midwicket as Kent reached 48 without loss after their six Powerplay overs.   Sussex hauled the run-rate in further to restrict Kent to 89 fwithout loss at the innings mid-point and spark the loss of three wickets in seven balls.After helping to set a record opening stand in matches against Sussex worth 90, Denly’s 40-ball knock for 44 ended with a sliced drive high to deep cover off Nash then, four balls later, Northeast holed out to long-on to make it 99 for 2. The rot continued as Latham clipped off his legs to be caught at deep fine leg for 48.Sam Billings should have gone for 12 when he miscued a Danny Briggs full-toss only for Salt to spill a comfortable throat-high chance at mid-wicket. The drop cost only 10 runs when Billings miscued his next full toss to long-on where Machan pocketed the chance to make it 130 for 4.In his second stint down the Nackington Road slope Mills mixed his pace and lengths superbly to bamboozle Kent’s big-hitting duo of Stevens and Alex Blake.Frustrated by the lack of boundaries, Stevens launched into a straight drive against Jordan to pick out Kulasekara at long-off.Mills conceded his sole boundary of the night in his final over, but wrapped up his excellent four-over stint of 1 for 15 by yorking Cowdrey for a duck. Blake’s unbeaten 36 was full of miscues and mishits as Kent mustered 166.

Manchester United wonderkid Amad Diallo is keen to succeed at Old Trafford, and is set to be given a chance in pre-season, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What’s going on with Diallo and Man United?

The Ivorian winger has scored 13 times in 37 Championship games this season, and has helped Sunderland to a playoff place in what has been a productive loan spell.

The 20-year-old joined United for an initial £18m from Atalanta in 2021, and looks set to receive a chance to shine at the club in pre-season.

Speaking on his YouTube channel (4.30), Romano revealed Diallo’s desire to play at Man United, and the club’s plans for him once he returns from loan.

“The dream of the player, I can guarantee to you, is to stay at Man United. He loves Man United, he loves the club. He was living the dream by joining Manchester United, and he wants to stay there to have this opportunity, to have this chance,” he stated.

“So the idea of Erik ten Hag, is to have Amad Diallo in the pre-season, to test him in the pre-season, to see his progress, but the numbers are speaking for Amad Diallo, scoring goals and doing incredible things with Sunderland.

“During July a final decision will be made about him, but the idea is to give him a chance, the player wants to fight for his Manchester United opportunity.”

Could Diallo have a place at Man United next season?

Although United have spent a considerable amount on wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho in the last two years, their inconsistent performances have meant that if Diallo comes in and hits the ground running, he could earn himself a place in the side.

Diallo has predominantly played on the right for Sunderland, and could inject more goals into a side which lacks them. United’s top scorer behind Marcus Rashford is Bruno Fernandes, with six league strikes this season, and Sancho and Antony have just nine between them.

Pre-season could be the perfect opportunity for the 20-year-old to establish himself in the side, but if he fails to make an immediate impact, then a loan could be considered further down the line.

United have been linked with Harry Kane, given their need for a centre-forward, but if they fail to land the Englishman, Diallo could fill in through the middle as a squad option in the early stages of the season whilst the club assess the options in the transfer market.

Tottenham Hotspur have slowly cultivated an unwanted toxic atmosphere within the club, which more recently has spilled over onto the pitch.

The players have been struggling for some time now, resulting in their abhorrent form which has brought just one win since early March.

With European football seriously in jeopardy and Ryan Mason the man expected to steady the ship, their need for a new permanent manager to enter the dugout has never felt greater. Daniel Levy is clearly aware of this, hence the ever-changing nature of the favourite, amongst the various candidates.

One such name which refuses to lose traction is that of Luis Enrique, who reportedly came in for talks earlier this week alongside Julian Nagelsmann.

The Spaniard boasts a huge pedigree and has overseen some of the world's top talents during his impressive career in management. However, he will have never experienced a dressing room like this.

It will take some serious upheaval to transform the failing Lilywhites culture, gutting the majority of the playing staff of the losers that have come before.

Whilst many would push Eric Dier to the front of that list, Enrique's work with Sergio Busquets could pose an interesting thought experiment with regard to the future of the 29-year-old.

Having featured in defensive midfield before, but predominantly as a centre-back of late, the inconsistent England international could occupy the former role with the perfect tutor to mould him in the image of one of the best to have ever done it.

Can Eric Dier be Luis Enrique's next Sergio Busquets?

Busquets is a true legend of the game, yet has never been famed for his exceptional technical quality. Having so often been surrounded by true show-stoppers, partnering Xavi and Iniesta in a midfield sat just behind Lionel Messi, the general has been happy performing out of the limelight.

However, it is this selflessness and willingness to silently do the dirty work that has made him ever-present in some of the greatest footballing sides of our generation, as well as being Enrique's most-used player (181 appearances) throughout his career.

The 34-year-old powerhouse was a mainstay for Spain during their historic 2010 World Cup and subsequent EURO 2012 victory, and boasts as many as eight La Liga titles alongside three Champions Leagues with Barcelona.

No matter the turmoil or changes that have gone on around him, the midfield anchor has remained a constant.

Breaking up play and offloading to a more technically proficient teammate; it is a role that could certainly benefit Dier, who often draws scorn for trying too much when his quality is often lacking.

Back in 2021, pundit Frank McAvennie even suggested that the dud was "awful" and "not good enough" for Spurs.

This season, where he has featured mainly at centre-back, the £27m-rated titan has only managed a 6.88 average rating. The move into defence was one initiated by Jose Mourinho, but whilst part of Mauricio Pochettino's engine room from 2015 to 2018, his average rating instead did not drop below 7.01.

The pinnacle of this role came during the 2016/17 campaign, where his 7.10 rating was maintained by an 87% pass accuracy, 1.4 tackles and 4.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

It is clear that within the right system, Dier can thrive in midfield, With Enrique's expertise and a philosophy that would get the best out of the £85k-per-week flop, perhaps the Spaniard could be the catalyst that transforms this player and the club as a whole.

Darren Sammy has called for West Indies’ players and administrators to put their “egos” to one side and work for the betterment of the game in the region

Andrew Miller26-May-2016Darren Sammy has called for West Indies’ players and administrators to put their “egos” to one side and work for the betterment of the game in the region, as he prepares to return to competitive action for the first time since leading his side to victory in the World T20 at Eden Gardens last month.Sammy, who has arrived at Hampshire for this season’s NatWest T20 Blast, will sit out tomorrow’s clash with Middlesex at Uxbridge due to registration issues, and instead make his first outing of the campaign in next Thursday’s home match against Kent.Either way, he will not be making a triumphant homecoming for West Indies during their Tri-Nations Series against South Africa and Australia, which gets underway in Providence on June 3, having been cut from the WICB’s list of contracted players back in January.Sammy defends team-mate Gayle

Darren Sammy has defended Chris Gayle as an “entertainer” and says his outspoken nature makes him an easy target in the media.
Last week, Gayle revived accusations of sexism with some lewd comments in an interview with The Times. However, Sammy played down the latest row.
“Chris Gayle is the universe boss, a team mate of mine who I admire and respect. I just think people target Chris for no reason.
“To me, Chris is one of our cricketing heroes. He’s an entertainer, first, but a lot of people have jumped on his back.
“I always support Chris because of what he does on a cricket field. Yes, we have a responsibility to ourselves, and the people who watch us, but sometimes I feel Chris is a target for newspaper headlines.”

Instead, Sammy has spent much of the past month on a champions’ tour of his home island of St Lucia. With his team-mate and fellow St Lucian, Johnson Charles, alongside him, he has been parading the World T20 trophy around his country’s schools, honouring the pledge he made during his emotional speech on the podium in Kolkata, when he dedicated the victory to “all our fans in the Caribbean”.However, he is itching to return to the cricket field after a month spent basking in the afterglow of a remarkable triumph, in which he emulated the achievement of the great Clive Lloyd in leading West Indies to a second global title, following their previous victory in the 2012 World T20 in Sri Lanka.”I wouldn’t say up there with Lloyd because what he did with his team was historical,” Sammy told ESPNcricinfo during a Kwik Cricket Festival in Hampshire. “But I can’t stand next to you and say I have not enjoyed it. I got a chance to go home with the trophy, and I took the trophy to the people because I said it was for the people. I saw the reaction from the kids – I was once a kid and I knew how much I felt when I saw my heroes.””I belong on the cricket field and I’ve not been on the cricket field since the World T20, so coming here to Hampshire, I can’t wait to get started.”Despite the satisfaction of West Indies’ triumph – across three formats, following the success of both the Women’s World T20 squad in India and the men’s Under-19 squad in Bangladesh – Sammy’s frustration with the WICB was evident once again earlier this week when he and his fellow exiles, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, exchanged incredulous messages on Twitter with Kieron Pollard, following his unexpected inclusion in the Tri-Series squad.”It’s sad that for so long it’s been a back-and-forth between the board and players,” said Sammy. “But these three wins show we can win cricket at all levels, and if we could work together, that’s all you need. Players and board working together, sharing a common goal, with no egos. It would be better for West Indies cricket but at the moment it’s just not happening.”They always say sports and politics don’t mix, which is true. But at the end you have to give credit to the most important thing, which is the cricket. And who plays the cricket? The cricketers. That is your product. If you plant corn, you have to take care of it, nurture it, fertilize it and then you can reap the rewards, so it is similar to the West Indies cricket team.”There are movements afoot to reinvigorate the administration of West Indies cricket, and Sammy said he had been inspired to witness a speech made by Sir Garfield Sobers back in April, when a panel of West Indies legends gathered in Grenada to call for the dissolution of the board, in line with the CARICOM cricket review panel’s recommendation.”I listened to Sir Garry speak, and it brought tears to my eyes,” said Sammy. “The same thing he went through, playing 50 years ago, it is still happening. To watch a legend that I look up to, speak with such passion and hurt, it’s sad. The people in charge of West Indies cricket have to make it better, swallow their pride and their ego – and some of us players too – and work for the betterment of West Indies cricket. Because that’s who we play for, the fans.”Despite the distractions, Sammy confirmed that the politics had played a massive part in uniting his team throughout their World T20 triumph.”I’m telling you, it was a massive motivation, a massive drive for the guys,” he said. “We made a conscious effort to go out and play and stay focused. As a team it brought us closer together and in the face of adversity we always tend to rise. We fought like cornered tigers, and it was a very memorable experience, seeing guys committed to one cause.”We should use that in all formats we play, whether one-day or Tests, because once we believe and stick together, we can achieve. I am just hoping that, in the coming months, we could have the right people in place to take West Indies cricket forward.”

Tottenham Hotspur have now shortlisted an 'unidentified candidate' as chairman Daniel Levy looks to make his 12th appointment in 22 years, according to a report.

Who could Spurs appoint as manager?

Spurs are still well and truly on the search for a permanent manager after parting company with former boss Antonio Conte in late March, with there being no shortage of linked coaches.

Indeed, the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Arne Slot, Brendan Rodgers and others have been mentioned as possible contenders for the vacancy with Ryan Mason taking interim charge until the end of the Premier League season.

Nagelsmann has been billed as a prime contender for the role at Tottenham, coming after his talks with London rivals Chelsea fell through recently, which could hand Spurs a free run at appointing him.

Slot, meanwhile, has seriously impressed at Feyenoord and is believed to be emerging as a serious contender for the Tottenham job.

Burnley's Vincent Kompany is also a prime candidate, with reports suggesting that Spurs have held talks with the Belgian over his appointment.

As per ESPN, there is now apparently a mystery new name in the frame, with this update claiming an 'unidentified candidate' has made his way onto Levy's shortlist.

Indeed, as Levy looks to make his 12th hire in 22 years as chairman, there is now an unnamed coach who could also succeed Conte at Tottenham.

Not much is said or hinted at who this could be, but he is apparently on Tottenham's list of contenders alongside the likes of Slot and Nagelsmann.

Who should Tottenham hire to replace Conte?

While it will be interesting to see which name may emerge as this mystery contender, we believe Nagelsmann is still the sure-fire choice to take over Tottenham.

Arguably one of the most exciting managers in world football, Nagelsmann already has a league title to his name at such a young age, and we believe he was rather unfairly sacked at Bayern.

The 35-year-old had led them to a Champions League quarter-final against Man City with the Bavarian giants fighting on all fronts at the time, making his dismissal a surprising one to say the least.

Nagelsmann has also been praised by elite coaches like Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who said this on the German way back in 2018:

“I’m really, really impressed [with Nagelsmann]. Taking over Hoffenheim in such a bad situation so young. He will have a lot of success in his career. He’s already at a good team in a top competition. It’s the first time we meet, but hopefully it won’t be the last.”

Arsenal's reported summer target Declan Rice made no secrets about his post-match discussion with the Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.

Does Declan Rice want to join Arsenal?

The north London side have enjoyed an impressive 2022/23 campaign under their Spanish coach where they have put together a solid push for the Premier League title.

However, over the last two weeks, there have been indications that this title charge could be on the verge of collapsing with two-goal leads thrown away against Liverpool and West Ham United.

But it seems as if they are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window as their project under Arteta may need further reinforcements to solidify them as regular title competitors.

One name who has been linked with a serious interest from the north London club is West Ham's midfield general, Rice, who put in a solid shift on Sunday.

And after the game at the London Stadium, the £60k-per-week Rice was captured sharing an embrace with the Spaniard amid the transfer speculation.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones has commented on the England midfielder not being concerned about the perception on his discussion with Arteta ahead of the summer window:

"What I think is interesting is that he (Rice) didn't care about being so public about those moments. He knows the stories are out there.

"But in his mind, he's given West Ham absolutely everything. And he's got nothing to hide in this situation. End of the day, he's making a career for himself."

Should Arsenal go all out for Rice?

Perhaps one of the surprise packages in this season's Premier League campaign has been Granit Xhaka in the middle of the Arsenal side.

The Swiss midfielder has even been booed off the pitch by his own fans in the past but he has received a lot of praise over recent months for his turnaround in north London.

However, he operates the midfield alongside Thomas Partey who has established himself in the side since his arrival from Atletico Madrid.

So it will provide Arteta with an interesting headache if Rice is to join over the summer given the Gunners already have such a strong midfield.

Rice has been hailed as a "superstar" by Bianca Westwood and it's clear to see why when he ranks inside the top ninth percentile for both clearances and interceptions (via FBref).

This is a player who could seriously improve the Arsenal midfield with their strength in depth taking a huge boost if Xhaka was willing to play a rotational role.

Rice (2.27) has more than doubled the number of tackles per 90 minutes that Xhaka (1.06) has returned this season with a much higher tackles-won percentage too (via FBref).

But it will leave an interesting dynamic in the camp and it would be intriguing to see whether – at 30 years old – Xhaka would be willing to take up a lesser role in the squad.

A number of fans online have reacted to the worrying times at Chelsea after Kepa Arrizabalaga was spotted giving out tactics mid-game against Brighton.

What’s the latest on Kepa Arrizabalaga and Chelsea?

It’s safe to say this weekend’s efforts were disappointing but not surprising as the Blues sunk to another Premier League defeat.

Goals from Danny Welbeck and Julio Enciso were enough to see the Seagulls pick up a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge despite Conor Gallaghers’ opener.

Chelsea came into the game with Frank Lampard as interim manager after sacking former Brighton boss Graham Potter but the club legend hasn’t helped improve form in his short spell back so far.

Indeed, this defeat follows up a 2-0 away loss in the Champions League against Real Madrid, as well as another league defeat against relegation-threatened Wolves the weekend prior.

All in all, it feels as though no one really has a clue what’s going on right now at Chelsea with co-owner Todd Boehly even confronted by some angry fans at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Perhaps summing the mess up, footage has since emerged showing goalkeeper Kepa desperately trying to organise the players in front of him as his defence battled to hold onto a lead.

Whatever he said certainly didn’t seem to work with Brighton going on to level the scores before half time, and then netting a winner later on in that match.

And it seems as though a number of fans think it’s worrying and rather funny (depending on who you support) that the £150k-per-week Chelsea shot-stopper was trying to do manager Lampard’s job for him mid-game.

Here are some of the best reactions…

Some even joked that Kepa should be the next coach…

Arsenal fell to yet another collapse yesterday, cruising into a 2-0 lead only to let it slip. Against Liverpool at Anfield, this could be excused, but when clashing with relegation-threatened West Ham United, a 2-2 draw on the road could prove costly.

It has truly opened the door for Manchester City to come bursting through, for if Pep Guardiola's side win their game in hand, the title will likely come down to their meeting at the Etihad in just over a week. Given they were dismantled at the Emirates by them earlier this year, it does not bode well.

Mikel Arteta was forced into some frustrating changes for their trip to the London Stadium, but it was felt like there remained more than enough quality within the squad to achieve a vital victory. When they had scored twice within ten minutes, this thought process was vindicated.

However, conceding a clumsy penalty before the break allowed the deficit to be halved, and after Jarrod Bowen's volley squirmed past Aaron Ramsdale on 54 minutes, the visitors were rumbled.

Few have come under fire for their performances, with Thomas Partey's 6.1 Sofascore rating the worst of anyone on the field drawing particular scorn.

The Ghanaian was especially bad in the middle of the park, perhaps dropping one of his worst performances of the campaign to date. Caught trying to play an audacious flick by Declan Rice, it was Partey who was dispossessed in the build-up to Lucas Paqueta earning a first-half penalty that started the comeback.

Despite this, it was clear where their main deficiencies truly lay. In the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney simply did not step up to the levels required of him. As such, the whole team suffered.

How did Kieran Tierney play vs West Ham?

Starting in his first Premier League game since December, the Scotsman was drafted in due to the Ukrainian's minor injury sustained in their last game. The 26-year-old has been integral to the way the Gunners have played this season, with his knowledge of the inverted full-back role key in their fine form.

However, it quickly became clear that the former Celtic man was without such capabilities, and as such his performance suffered.

Earning a 6.6 rating courtesy of Sofascore, of which only three players on the pitch earned lower, the lack of creative impetus from the £110k-per-week defender proved criminal in their lack of potency.

It seemed that once the Hammers had equalised, Arsenal had lost all control of the game. Had Zinchenko been playing, the experienced maestro would likely have proved to be a cool head to calm down a shell-shocked side.

However, his absence was instead exacerbated, as his replacement recorded 67 touches, an 81% pass accuracy and offered no key passes. Whilst his defensive numbers might have been impressive, with two tackles and two clearances, via Sofascore, this is arguably indicative of how on the back foot the visitors were compared to their usual dominant displays.

To further outline just how much pressure they were under against a side that started the day three points above the relegation zone, journalist Tom Victor highlighted one "desperate block" that Tierney made to deny Bowen a second. That was likely the Scot's best moment of a game in which he looked well out of sorts.

This struggle was supported by another journalist in Tan Copsey, who wrote: "Tierney and Holding don't have the passing range and it all starts to get so messy in the build-up."

He understood the sheer gulf in quality between the 25-year-old featuring as opposed to when Zinchenko starts. Arteta will now seek to rush back the former Cityzens star, to avoid another miserable result like yesterday's that further hands the title to their rivals.

Leeds United have a host of academy talent all of which are awaiting their first team opportunity, however, their status as a perennially relegation-battling outfit of late makes it harder to promote youngsters.

To unleash such malleable starlets into the troubles that a fight for survival offers is to risk their entire careers, as it truly is a sink-or-swim environment. Some might relish the opportunity and play a huge role in avoiding the drop, whilst others could wilt and never recover from the confidence dent it would bring.

Therefore, Javi Gracia will likely be hesitant to promote any of the Whites' future stars unless it is absolutely necessary, or unless they have proven their ability to perform at the required level.

From the academy, Darko Gyabi stands out as the asset who is most likely to soon break into the senior outfit. The classy central midfielder, who signed for a £5m fee in the summer, boasts immense potential and has shown glimpses of his talent throughout a fine year for the U21s.

However, going about his business quietly in the background has been Charlie Allen, who merits a call-up just as much as the former Manchester City man.

Who is Charlie Allen?

With 15 Premier League 2 appearances to his name this season, Gyabi has contributed two goals and three assists as the star of the engine room. This has led to three senior cameos in various competitions, including his Premier League debut too.

However, all the while Allen has played just one more game in the league yet boasts two goals and four assists. Despite this, and the fact the 19-year-old has been around the club far longer than his teammate, a senior appearance he still lacks.

That is not to suggest that the midfield maestro is not highly rated, it just seems that the teenager has perhaps been overshadowed by such a big-money addition to the youth setup.

His international elite performance director, Jim Magilton, clearly envisions a bright future for the versatile ace, as he claimed: "Charlie is one of those kids you can play anywhere and he’ll probably still be the best player on the pitch. He can play right back, central midfield, on either wing, at No10 or at centre forward."

This unparalleled ability to deputise in any given role is truly priceless and should give Allen the edge in the battle with Gyabi.

With a sparkling future laid out in front of him, this particular academy gem has proven that he could be one of the few who would swim, were he just handed an opportunity to prove his worth to Gracia as they enter the run-in.